Prevalence of Pneumocystosis in Sub-Saharan Africa and Helminth Immune Modulation

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region of the world with the highest prevalence of helminth infections. To protect themselves from the defensive mechanisms of their respective hosts, helminths modulate their immune responses. This modulation has relevant clinical and epidemiological consequences, including the inhibition of inflammatory processes that characterize infection by other microorganisms. Severe Pneumocystis pneumonia is characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction that can lead to death. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the main predisposing factor to the development of pneumocystosis. Although the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has led to a notable decline in the incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated complications, pneumocystosis continues to be an important global health problem. Despite the high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the sub-Saharan region, the prevalence of Pneumocystis pneumonia there has been lower than expected. Several factors, or combinations thereof, may contribute to this evolution. Here, we hypothesize the possible role of helminth immune modulation as an important issue at play. On the other hand, and looking ahead, we believe that the immune modulation achieved by helminths may be an important factor to consider during the design and evaluation processes of vaccines against Pneumocystis jirovecii to be used in Sub-Saharan Africa. The requirements of a balanced triggering of different types of immune responses for controlling the infection produced by this microorganism, as observed during experiments in animal models, support this final consideration.

Automated summary

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of helminth infections worldwide. Helminths modulate their immune responses to protect themselves from host defensive mechanisms, which has clinical and epidemiological consequences. Despite the high incidence of HIV infection in the sub-Saharan region, the prevalence of Pneumocystis pneumonia is lower than expected, which may be related to helminth immune modulation. This immune modulation achieved by helminths may also be an important factor to consider during the design and evaluation of vaccines against Pneumocystis jirovecii in Sub-Saharan Africa.